Emergency Veterinary Services

What Situations Require Emergency Veterinary Care?

We understand that it can be challenging to know when your pet requires emergency care. Here are some common emergencies that require immediate veterinary care:

• Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop
• Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety
• Choking, difficulty breathing, or continuous coughing/gagging
• Fractured bones or severe lameness
• Seizures and/or staggering
• Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, or blood in the urine
• Inability to urinate or pass feces, or pain associated with urinating or passing feces
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea; two or more episodes in 24 hours
• Injuries to the eye(s)
• Your pet has ingested something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
• Heat stress or heatstroke
• Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
• Unconsciousness

What to do if Your Pet is Having an Emergency

Stay Calm: Try to remain calm and be extra cautious around your cat or dog. Pain can lead even the most loving dog or cat to react negatively toward a person trying to help.

Call Ahead: If your pet is experiencing an emergency, call us right away. During our regular business hours, we will make every effort to provide emergency and urgent veterinary care. You will be directed to contact one of the veterinary emergency hospitals located in Ottawa.

Follow the Provided Instructions: When you call to notify the emergency hospital that you are on your way, you may be given instructions on how to administer first aid or make your cat or dog feel as comfortable as possible. Follow those steps as carefully as you can.